In the highly anticipated rematch, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are preparing to clash once again in Saudi Arabia, with Usyk’s WBC, WBA, and WBO belts at stake. This encounter follows Usyk’s narrow victory in their first bout, where he claimed the title of boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. As the boxing world turns its attention to this high-profile event, the stakes are incredibly high for both fighters.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will once again be the stage for this monumental boxing match, scheduled for Saturday night. With a global audience watching, the fighters are expected to make their much-awaited ring walks around 5 p.m. Eastern. This is equivalent to 10 p.m. in London and 1 a.m. on Sunday in Riyadh. Fans can catch the 12-round fight via pay-per-view on DAZN in most countries, ensuring worldwide accessibility to the action.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Usyk is currently the slight favorite with odds of 3/4 to win, while Fury stands at 11/10, and the chance of a draw is placed at 15/1. The previous encounter between the two saw Usyk secure a close victory on two scorecards—115-112 and 114-113—while the third judge favored Fury at 114-113. Fury had initially taken the lead after seven rounds before Usyk staged a comeback, nearly concluding the match in his favor during the ninth round, when Fury was saved by the bell after a knockdown.
Beyond the championship belts, the fight carries significant implications for both boxers’ careers and legacies. For Usyk, who has an impressive record of 22-0, this is an opportunity to further solidify his position as a legendary figure in the sport while representing Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Fury, with a professional record of 34-1-1, aims to redeem himself from his first professional defeat. Notably, Fury has an unbeaten record of 5-0 in rematches, adding an interesting dynamic to the upcoming bout.
Financially, the fight is lucrative, with a reported purse of $190 million. Although the exact distribution of earnings between the fighters remains undisclosed, the potential for a series of bouts—including a possible trilogy—suggests even greater financial rewards in the future. Fury has already expressed interest in another match should he emerge victorious, while Usyk remains open to the idea.
The undercard also promises excitement, featuring a match between promising heavyweight Moses Itauma and Australian boxer Demsey McKean. Itauma, a 19-year-old Slovakian southpaw, boasts an undefeated record of 10-0, with eight of those wins coming by knockout. Additionally, British heavyweights Johnny Fisher and David Allen will face off, adding further intrigue to the event.
The boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, an event that promises to deliver thrilling action and potential career-defining moments for both fighters. As they prepare to face off once more, the stakes are immense, not only in terms of championship titles but also in terms of legacy and financial gain. With each boxer bringing their own motivations and aspirations into the ring, spectators can expect a captivating showdown that will likely be remembered for years to come.
Source: News4jax
